Veto override amendment wins House approval

A constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to call itself into special session to over-ride a governor’s veto won Texas House approval today by a 131-16 vote. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Amendment sponsor Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, said he is promoting the amendment because the Texas Constitution gives the Legislature the power to overturn a gubernatorial veto but that it rarely happens because most vetoes occur after the Legislature adjourns.

The proposed amendment would allow the Legislature to come back into session to consider a veto if a majority of the House and Senate agree to do so. A two-thirds majority would be needed to actually over-ride a veto.

Elkins said in seven sessions in the House, he has only seen two of Gov. Rick Perry’s vetoes that likely would have been overturned if the Legislature had been in session. He said those were the veto of eminent domain restrictions and a cut of junior college money in the 2007 Legislature.

If the Senate approves the amendment, it will go to Texas voters for consideration in November.